Kris Pedretti is the 10th known survivor of the Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo. After remaining silent for 42 years, she now courageously shares her journey of post-traumatic growth. In this episode, Kris opens up about what it took to confront her trauma decades later, how she found her voice, and why she’s dedicated her life to empowering other survivors.
Kris is a powerful voice for survivor advocacy, participating in national podcasts, documentaries, and public speaking engagements to raise awareness and promote healing. She travels the country speaking at conferences on trauma-informed care, law enforcement training, and survivor support.
As the founder and CEO of Phyllis’s Garden, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, Kris leads vital initiatives, including the creation of soft interview rooms in police stations and the facilitation of survivor-led support groups. Her work helps others break their silence, reclaim their voice, and find strength in healing.
Show Notes:
Articles:
Golden State Killer survivors turn ‘pain into power’ with nonprofit empowering crime victims
Survivor of Golden State Killer attack donates ‘soft interview room’ to Folsom Police Department (2025)
Sexual abuse survivors find solace in unique support group
East Area Rapist Survivor Creates New Support Space for Sacramento Assault Victims (2021)
Website:
Phyllis’s Garden
Book:
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer (2018) by Michelle McNamara
